One Month in D.C. {Spring 2015}

ASP students have finished their second week of internships and track work and are celebrating one month of being in Washington. What have they learned in D.C. so far?

Savannah Scherkenback, Azusa Pacific University: (1) When you arrive–walk everywhere during your first week! That’s how you get to know the heartbeat of this city. (2) One of the best “must do” experiences: grocery shopping on weekends at Eastern Market. Talk to the people.

Katie Barany, Eastern University: The city is alive and busy, and so am I. There is always cool stuff happening if you look.

ASP students attended an event at George Washington University with Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia {photo credit: Katie Barany}

Timothy Carr, Gordon College:We aren’t in Vermont anymore.

Alberto Sanchez, Fresno Pacific University: I have learned that this city is amazing. I want to keep learning what it takes to be successful in this city. My internship is very fun.

Norann Beidas, Whitworth University: I have learned the layout of the city and how I can attend amazing events because of this knowledge.

Alexcis Albert, Vanguard University of Southern California: There are so many kind people in the city that love to discuss anything and everything. It is so easy to meet cool people like the Mayor of London, and congressional hearings are awesome to see politicians in action. Come to D.C.–it’s amazing!

London Mayor Boris Johnson at a Politico event attended by ASP students {photo credit: Norann Beidas}

Eric Corona, Biola University: Here in D.C., it is never proper to merely ride the escalator; you must expeditiously walk. Escalators are not fast enough.

Patricia Vazquez Topete, Fresno Pacific University: So far I think I have started to learn how to network at different events and how to reach out to people who have similar interests.

Salvadorean journalist Oscar Martinez receives the WOLA-Duke Human Rights Book Award at an event hosted by the Washington Office on Latin America, where ASPer Patricia Vazquez Topete is interning. Mr. Martinez is the author of The Beast which chronicles the journey that immigrants take from Central America to the U.S.-Mexican Border and the dangerous experiences they encounter. {photo credit: Patricia Vazquez Topete}

Neakzaad Horriat, Biola University: Everyone is here for a purpose, and if you are here without a purpose, you cannot succeed. But if you do have a purpose, you will flourish here.

Rachel Malcolm, Azusa Pacific University: I have learned about the interesting dynamic of Washington, D.C. The poor work and live side by side with the rich.